- Micah Richards speak about Kobbie Mainoo
- The 21-year-old has enjoyed strong second half in 2025/26
- Sky Sports pundit sends message to Thomas Tuchel
Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a strong second half of the 2025/26 season at Manchester United.
The 21-year-old has put together an impressive spell under interim manager Michael Carrick. Today’s (17 May) game against Nottingham Forest features one last time in the starting eleven alongside midfield partner Casemiro.
The young England international has featured 29 times for the Reds this term, and has recently been nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.
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Richards Sends Tuchel Clear Message
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was discussing Mainoo’s chances with England at the 2026 World Cup.
Richards said: “He’s got to go 100%. He’s been unbelievable in terms of being out in the cold and then turning it around. Don’t forget it’s a lot of pressure, so psychologically you’re thinking, can he play for a big club? So to be able to perform as he has done, he’s got to be on the plane.”
Mainoo earned his recall under England manager Thomas Tuchel in the last international break’s friendlies. He featured in both games against Japan and Uruguay, playing 92 minutes combined.
Since making his senior team debut in March 2024 under Gareth Southgate, Mainoo established himself as a starter for the Three Lions. However, being frozen out at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim heavily impacted his minutes for both his club and international career. The subsequent sacking of the Portuguese coach has resulted in a remarkable U-turn in 2026.
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Mainoo Deserves England Spot
Mainoo might not be a guaranteed starter for England at the World Cup this time around, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson around. However, Richards makes an undeniable point about his readiness for the tournament.
The relentless spotlight at Manchester United has been a test in pressure that few young players could withstand. But the 21-year-old has handled things exceptionally.
His resilience sets him apart. When he found himself out in the cold at Old Trafford, he could have easily forced a permanent move away to secure guaranteed football elsewhere. Instead, he chose to stay, fight for his place, and completely turn his United career around.
That level of psychological maturity is exactly what England needs. Even if he begins the World Cup on the bench, Mainoo has proven he has the ability and mental resilience to succeed in a Three Lions shirt.
